243 ackley coyote rifle.

[87predator]

After many years of wanting to build, i finally got one done.
I couldn't wait for a new barrel so got one from a member here. It sits on a Stevens 200 short action, with a recoil lug from NSS. Its in a stockade woodchuck stock. With the 26" Shaw varmint contour barrel, it had good feel of stability, while not too heavy. I stuck a vortex viper 6.5x20x44 on top. I need to get a lower set of rings, but will probably switch out to a viper pst in the near future.
This will be primarily a calling rig for coyotes, but will also use it to fill some whitetail antlerless tags.

I would like to thank these members whom the parts were purchased from:
Lineman-barrel
204 dogger-stock
And NSS for the lug and barrel nut and action wrench.

Last but not least, all of the members here for answers to questions i had, and all of the informative posts.


Now pictures



Before




After

[MrMajestic]

Well done, now go out and kill all them fawn eating buggers!

[87predator]

Will get some pictures of shooting Sunday. I also need to think of a paint scheme. I love painting rifles.

[87predator]

Now that she is built, I could use some load advice. I want to eventually shoot heavier bullets 95-105, but now have 85grain range. I found a pretty good load using 46gr H4831sc with Berger 87vld. This is max they sent me for 243, but what could i go up to. I love speed and performance. All your input is appreciated.

[redman]

what kind of groups are you getting so far? That Shaw barrel actually looks really nice I'm curious about it's performance. I am planning a 260 AI build thats similar to yours.

[87predator]

Redman,
The groups I was shooting was on virgin brass for fireforming.
I had several that were .5-.75. And one group that if you took out my called flyer (knew as soon as pulled the trigger it was bad), it would measure .433 . I fired 4 shots in this group cause had just cleaned barrel.

[22 Mag]

87Predator: Using 80-90 gr bullets I have had the best luck with my .243 AI's with the 87 gr V-max and IMR 4350 powder. The 5 shot groups run from just under an inch to 0.014 (yes that is right, only once, but had a witness). Most of the time they run 0.500 to 0.750 more than enough for coyotes out to 400, P.S. they are NOT fur friendly. The speeds for my best group's run `3150 to `3425 depending on the firearm. I have a Winchester 1:8, Remington 1:10, and (2) Savages 1:10 in .243 AI. I will buy 1:8 from now on.

22 Mag

[redman]

Wow that's pretty good for fire forming. From what I've read your groups should tighten up a 1/4" or so once you get the brass formed.

[87predator]

This one is with formed brass. 87vld

[rrflyer]

The 105amax's work well on deer and smaller pigs as well as being an excellent long range bullet.

[87predator]

Well she is at it again. Went out Sunday calling before the wind picked up. After the sets thus guy came in to 65 yds. Was wanting to bust him with the shotgun, but angle was wrong.



Then went out last night after work to try out some gongs i built. Shot this at 500 yds. There are 5 204 shots in there. Not great but not bad. I was trying to hurry cause it was getting dark.


87 Berger vld @ 3400 fps.

[87predator]

Finally got to stretch its legs. Went out after work right before dark.
800 yards
87 gr Berger Vld @ 3400

Looks like it might have some vertical stringing. Will bedding it help the accuracy?

[handirifle]

Since you have such a heavy barrel, I would look at the loads SD. If the pressure's not real close on all shots, the velocity could vary enough to cause that, I BELIEVE. Check with the match guys here and see what they say.